PTCS QA and Training FY 2007 findings Bruce Manclark, Bob Davis, Jennifer Williamson, Martín Wilson, Ken Eklund

Overview QA summary Lessons learned from QA BPA PTCS plans for this year PTCS training

QA Overview This is the first round of heat pump and duct inspections that has been done (other than STAC detailed monitoring). Elements looked at –Duct leakage –HP controls, airflow, charge While not as comprehensive as STAC, the results of our QA are generally encouraging.

QA Agents Alan VanZuuk –NW ENERGY STAR –Home Builder Bob Davis –Ecotope –STAC Monitoring Bruce Manclark –Delta T –Pasture Golf Bruce Manclark – Pasture Golf Champion of Goldendale WA

PTCS Summary –Total installers – 250 have done at least 1 –Total heat pumps + duct sealing done – 510 –Total duct seals done – 1,500 –Total heat pumps done – 1,300 This flux capacitor is miscalibrated.

QA Summary Duct Sealing –1,500 Systems done, 55 inspected –50 passed, 5 failed and had follow up –23 contractors have done 5 or more Heat Pump (including duct sealing) –510 Systems done, 43 inspected –34 passed, 9 failed and had follow up –54 contractors have done 5 or more The goal is to inspect 10% of all systems

Examples of Failed QA Notes Ducts “QA measured 170 CFM 50 both sides to out vs. installer’s 116. House is 1400 ft 2. The system is too leaky to meet 10% criteria. “ “QA measured 101 cfm 50 leakage to outside, a 3 cfm 50 reduction from the original test. The target is 56 cfm 50.The original duct sealing form submitted by the contractor stated 63 cfm 50. “

Examples of Failed QA Notes Heat Pumps “QA measured 305 CFM per ton. QA recommends the technician increase the airflow to at least 350 CFM per ton.” “Controls: Outdoor sensor for ODT installed too close to hot vapor line; sensor reads warmer than actual temperature. Strip heat stays off even when it would be appreciated by the occupants.”

QA – Some issues we saw –One brand of heat pumps generally needs to have the outdoor unit size tap set ½ ton larger than the actual system size to get the desired airflow –Control of strip heat With training and improved thermostats, this has gotten easier to do right Utilities now check them often, so they are more consistently correct –Sizing, while not addressed in detail, could be

Failed Heat Pumps Portion of test failed All heat pump QA 79% passed

QA – What We Learned We’re still in the early phase of this project; with more QA, we will have a clearer picture of performance. –Installs are generally pretty good –Many fails are on the new parts of the commissioning (controls, TrueFlow, etc.) –QA works. It adds value and improves program credibility with installers Increased utility personnel capability. (i.e., they can go into Honeywell 8000 thermostat and see the outdoor lockout setting)

QA – Remaining Challenges –New technologies (9.0 HSPF, 15 SEER, everything has Vista) can be troublesome –Even with QA, we don’t measure energy savings over time, just a snapshot of performance –Coordination of QA visits is tougher than we thought

STAC – In Comparison STAC monitoring showed generally good performance, at least after problems were identified and fixed. Some findings that deserve attention: Dual stage compressors – some are lemons Energy usage for the defrost cycle flies below ARI's radar (but field adjustments can limit the damage)

ENERGY STAR We don’t inspect ENERGY STAR jobs (but we do inspect new construction heat pumps) 6 were inspected in Bend and Vancouver –1 failed (the compressor wouldn’t start)

CheckMe! 12 CheckMe! heat pumps were inspected 2 failed –1 outdoor sensor installed near a warm liquid line –1 had low airflow

Utilities Some utilities come to inspections, and the help is always appreciated Having a local active utility is a big factor in getting good QA results Utilities seem to generally be appreciative of QA

QA in FY2008 We have a projected 3,000 systems in FY2008, which means we will do 300 QA inspections. –We would like to refine the sampling to focus QA where it is most needed Lower inspection rate for contractors with demonstrated capability Get to far flung reaches of the territory –We will increase our pool of knowledge

Training Overview High demand for training caused us to evaluate how to increase capacity to certify new technicians. As a result, “The Goldendale Summit” was convened, with the following result:

Master Technician The “Master Technician” path will allow specific qualified technicians or utility staff to train technicians in their territory This will be people like Bryan Boe, Zach Erdmann, Mattias Jarvegren (Clallam PUD), Darryl Knabe (Mountain View Heating), etc.

Training This new way to deliver training will complement, not replace current classroom based training. It will be a good way to increase response to demand for training new technicians Thanks to Ken Eklund for writing updated PTCS Provider Standards

Master Technician Qualifications Minimum 2 years full time experience (or equivalent) AND Minimum 30 systems tested or commissioned OR An individual may be certified as a PTCS Trainer by an existing Trainer based on direct observation of the individual’s classroom and field instruction.

Trainer’s Latitude New trainers can certify in their vicinity or company They are responsible for producing technicians who can meet PTCS specs (and may lose their trainer status) Trainers are responsible for notifying Ecos when they believe a technician is ready to be tested Ecos is evaluating using online testing

Certification Path Master technician provides on the job training and hands on field work. –Follows current curriculum –Sets the pace and structure for each tech –Integrates with the firms needs –Has a vested interest in doing a good job, because certification can be revoked

Classroom Training The BPA is moving to a 50% cost sharing requirement for training in –1 Day Heat Pump Training - $2,000 –3 Day Duct Sealing Training - $3,400

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